Children's Literature + Children's Literature: Writing for Children

The Children's Literature (MA) + Children's Literature: Writing for Children (MFA) dual degree program at Simmons University invites students to study literature for young people while creating it. This program allows students to immerse themselves in transformative works, from classic materials to current prizewinners, as a rich context for their emerging voice.

Program Overview

In small, interactive classes, students participate in animated seminar discussions, building strong networks and forming deep connections with peers and faculty. The faculty bring expertise as scholars, writers, and publishers, offering advising, support, and guidance to help students fine-tune their career goals.

Why Get a Dual Degree?

The hallmark of the MAMFA program is the personalization of two one-on-one mentorships over the course of the program. Students work with a professional to develop two new manuscripts, one in "Mentorship I" and the other in "Mentorship II." The mentorship sequence offers discipline, insider advice, and strategies to move a creative project from start to finish.

Program Benefits

The MAMFA graduate program helps students make a difference in literature for young people, combining critical analysis, creative practice, and cultural studies. Students will:

• Develop critical reading and writing skills through rigorous academic study in literature for children and young adults.
• Study across genres, such as picturebooks, verse novels, metafiction, informational texts, speculative fiction, fantasy, realism, folk and fairy tales, and graphic novels.
• Consider the past, present, and future of texts for young readers as cultural products that reflect and innovate.
• Attend to the ways children's literature invokes questions of social justice, power, and constructions of childhood.
• Participate in cross-disciplinary and cross-professional conversations that center multiple traditions and practices.
• Become part of a vibrant community that reads widely, thinks deeply, and engages with colleagues who share their passion.
• Develop a deep understanding of the craft as they write, revise, and polish their manuscripts.
• Put their scholarly and craft knowledge into practice as they engage in critiques of creative projects in development.

Enrich Your Experience

Beyond the classroom, students can access over 4,000 newly published titles annually through the university's BookNook, take part in programs like the Children's Literature Summer Institute and Horn Book at Simmons, and build connections with partners such as The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Join the Vibrant Literary World of Boston

The City of Boston offers myriad opportunities to grow professionally in the field. Graduate students have completed internships in publishing at Candlewick, Charlesbridge, Barefoot Books, and more. Students have also interned at renowned local libraries, including the Boston Public Library and Cambridge Public Library.

Degree Requirements

The MA/MFA dual degree program requires completing 48 credits of coursework. Graduate students typically carry between six and nine credits in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

MA/MFA Required Courses

• CHL401: Criticism of Literature for Children (3 credits)
• CHL403: The Picturebook (3 credits)
• CHL413: Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Young Adults (3 credits)
• CHL414: Fantasy and Science Fiction (3 credits)
• CHL421: Children's Book Publishing (3 credits)
• CHL430: Writing for Children I (3 credits)
• CHL431: Writing for Children II (3 credits)
• CHL441: MFA Mentorship I (3 credits)
• CHL442: MFA Mentorship II (3 credits)
• CHL XXX: History elective of your choice (3 credits)

MA/MFA Elective Courses

Examples of electives include:

• CHL 419B: Genre Study: Humor
• CHL 424: Verse Novels and Narrative Poetry
• CHL 424C: Series Fiction for Children
• CHL 427B: The Americanization of Folk and Fairy Tales
• CHL 429A: Re-Reading Race in Classic Children's Literature
• CHL 436A: Informational Texts
• CHL 437: Critical Positionality
• CHL 509: Summer Institute and Symposium

Customize Your Program

Students can take advantage of internships and research opportunities in Boston and beyond, building their skills and resume while learning from mentors in their fields.

Scholarships, Fellowships, Discounts, and Additional Benefits

All applicants are considered for a range of university scholarships, including endowed and departmental awards. Students who have completed at least eight credits are eligible to apply for teaching assistantships to gain experience in the classroom and help finance their degree.

Program Format

The program is offered as a dual degree, on campus, with the option to complete some courses at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.

School/Department

The program is offered through the Department of Humanities and The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program have gone on to work in publishing, libraries, education, and as writers. Alumni have been contracted by major publishing houses, including Simon and Schuster, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and HarperCollins.

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.